Modular solvent extractor/concentrator apparatus with in-line drying adaptor

ABSTRACT

This invention relates generally to laboratory glassware apparatus and particularly to laboratory apparatus and kits thereof. Disclosed apparatus is used to extract and/or concentrate specific substances for analytical purposes from sample liquids by passing a predetermined solvent through the sample. The invention includes a modular sample container body for holding a sample to be processed. The container body has a variety of disconnect joints for receiving a variety of disconnectable attachments that are used in the extraction and/or concentration process of the specific substance. The invention also includes a universal modular container body having a variety of disconnect joints that may be used with solvents having a density lesser or greater than the density of the sample liquid being processed. An in-line drying adaptor is disclosed which allows for a drying step to be included within the processing of the sample thereby precluding the need to transfer the sample from the disclosed apparatus to a separate drying apparatus.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application having Ser.No. 07/556,216 filed Aug. 10, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,662.

This invention relates generally to the field of chemical laboratoryglassware and particularly to laboratory apparatus employing a solventto extract a substance from a sample and/or laboratory apparatus toincrease the concentration of the substance in the solvent previouslypassed through the sample.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Historically, extraction and concentration of substances from testsamples, such as environmental pollutants in water and drug relatedsubstances in blood serum, are carried out in either a separateextraction apparatus and a separate concentration apparatus, or in acombined extractor/concentrator apparatus.

As is well known in the art, extraction is conducted by passing asuitable solvent through a test sample in order for the solvent tocombine with any subject substance that may be present within thesample. After the sample has been adequately exposed to the solvent, thesubstance carrying solvent is then transferred to a separateconcentrator for distillation of the solvent thereby leaving behind aconcentration of the substance being sought. If a combinationextractor/concentrator apparatus is being used, a valve usually locatedalong the extract connecting tube is closed after the sample has beenadequately exposed to the solvent and the substance carrying solvent haspassed to the concentrator. The concentration of the substance is thenincreased by distilling the solvent, thereby leaving behind aconcentrated solution of the subject substance.

The particular apparatus used, regardless of whether a separateextractor and concentrator or a combination thereof is used, will alsodepend upon the relative densities of the solvent and the sample. Thisis because the solvent must be introduced to the sample from above orbelow the contained sample, depending on the relative densities of thesample and the solvent being used, in order for the solvent to passthrough the sample via gravitational forces. Therefore, care must betaken to introduce the proper amount of sample and solvent into theapparatus, so that the sample and the solvent can be processedaccordingly. Additionally, the apparatus must also be designed toprevent the solvent and/or the sample from back flowing through theapparatus due to head pressures.

Representative prior art of a separate extractor for use with solventthat is of greater density than the sample and a separate concentratorare shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B respectively.

Representative prior art of a combined extractor/concentrator apparatusfor use with a solvent that is of greater density than the sample isshown in FIG. 2.

Representative prior art of a combined extractor/concentrator apparatusfor use with a solvent that is of lesser density than the sample isshown in FIG. 3.

Prior art apparatus typically use permanent connecting arms andconnecting tubing, also referred to as cross over arms and siphontubing, which serve to fluidly connect a portion of the apparatus toanother portion of the apparatus. A shortcoming with such prior artconnecting members is that they can be difficult to clean, especially ifthey are of a serpentine nature. Cleaning difficulties not onlyincreases labor costs, but an improperly cleaned tubing increases thechances of contaminating samples that are to undergo processing withpreviously processed samples and/or solvent remaining within the tubing.

An additional shortcoming with prior art apparatus is the fragile,breakage prone nature of the apparatus due to the connecting arms andtubing being fused, or otherwise permanently attached, to theappropriate portions of the apparatus. Furthermore, repair of damagedtubing can be expensive and if the damaged tubing can not be repairedeconomically or promptly, the entire portion of the affected apparatusmust be replaced.

Another shortcoming with prior art apparatus is a specifically designedapparatus must be used with solvents having a greater density than thesample to be processed. Conversely, a specifically designed apparatusmust be used with solvents having a less density than the sample to beprocessed.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide an extractor apparatus andcombined extractor/concentrator apparatus that are easy to clean,thereby reducing the chances of contaminating subsequently processedsamples and to reduce labor costs.

Another object of this invention is to provide an extractor apparatusand combined extractor/concentrator apparatus with connecting means thatare less fragile than connecting means employed in previous apparatus.

Another object of this invention is to provide extractor apparatus andcombined extractor/concentrator apparatus that can be economically andquickly repaired, should the connecting members described above bedamaged.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an extractor body andcombined extractor/concentrator body that is suitable for use withsolvents having densities lesser or greater than the sample to beprocessed, thereby reducing the quantity of glassware to be purchased bylaboratories and thereby reducing the amount of work area occupied byglassware.

A further object of this invention is to provide an extractor apparatusand combined extractor/concentrator apparatus that is compatible withconventional and common laboratory glassware such as Allihn condensers,Kuderna-Danish flasks, concentrators, and boiling flasks.

A yet further object of this invention is to provide an extractorapparatus and combined extractor/concentrator apparatus that easilyallows a drying step to be included within the extraction/concentrationprocess.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above objects are achieved by providing apparatus and kits for amodular solvent extractor, a modular combination solventextractor/concentrator, and a universal modular sample containing bodysuitable for use with the preceding, each of which are capable ofaccommodating a variety of disconnectable attachments.

More specifically the invention includes a modular container body forholding a sample to be treated with solvent to render an extractiontherefrom having a mouth, at least one solvent vapor port, at least onesolvent extract port, and at least one of the ports having disconnectmeans to accommodate a variety of disconnectable attachments. A hollowvapor connecting arm having a disconnect joint at one or more endsthereof and having a solvent extract inlet port having a disconnectjoint is also provided herein. The solvent extract inlet port is locatedat a preselected position along the vapor connecting arm. An extractconnecting tube having a disconnect joint at each end thereof isdisclosed. The solvent extract inlet port has means to accommodate atleast one of the disconnect joints of the extract connecting tube. Aremovable tubular insert is also disclosed for using solvent that is ofa lesser density than the density of the sample. Also disclosed areembodiments of extract connecting tubes having disconnect joints at eachend thereof, extract connecting tubes further having a stopcock, orextract flow control valve, located at a preselected position along theconnecting tube.

A disconnectable in-line drying adaptor having a main cavity forretaining a drying element, or a combination of drying elements, forremoving emulsified water from solvent extracted from the containerbody. The cavity has an upper and a lower region fluidly connected by aby-pass tube which allows vapor to by-pass the main cavity containingdrying elements. The disconnectable in-line drying adaptor is fittedbetween the hollow vapor connecting arm and preselected labware used incombination with the disclosed apparatus and kits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front view of a prior art extractor apparatus.

FIG. 1B is a front view of a prior art concentrator apparatus.

FIG. 2 is an exploded front view of a prior art combinationextractor/concentrator apparatus for use with solvent having a densitygreater than the sample to be processed.

FIG. 3 is an exploded front view of a prior art combinationextractor/concentrator apparatus for use with solvent having a densitylesser than the sample to be processed.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a modular extractor for use with solventhaving a density greater than the sample to be processed.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a modular combination extractor/concentratorfor use with solvent having a density greater than the sample to beprocessed.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a modular extractor for use with solventhaving a density less than the sample to be processed.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a modular combination extractor/concentratorfor use with solvent having a density less than the sample to beprocessed.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a universal modular body for use with solventhaving a density less or greater than the sample to be processed.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a modular sample containing a body for usewith solvent having a density greater than the sample to be processed.

FIG. 10A is a front view of a modular sample containing a body for usewith solvent having a density less than the sample to be processed.

FIG. 10B is a front view of a modular insert for use with either amodular body or a universal modular body in which a solvent having adensity less than the sample is to be processed.

FIG. 11A is a front view of a plain hollow solvent vapor connecting arm.

FIG. 11B is a front view of a hollow solvent vapor connecting armincorporating a Snyder distillation column therein.

FIG. 12A through 12E are front views of a variety of solvent extractconnecting tubes.

FIG. 13 is front view of a in-line drying adaptor.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a representative modular combinationextractor/concentrator having an in-line drying adaptor installedtherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is representative of a prior art separate solvent extractorapparatus 2 having a mouth 3, and a plain hollow vapor connector arm 4and an extract connecting tube 6 fused to a sample containing body 8. AnAllihn condenser 10 is fitted to sample containing body 8 and a roundbottom boiling flask 12 is removably fitted to vapor connector arm 4.

FIG. 1B is representative of a prior art separate concentrator apparatus14 making use of a concentrator 16 fitted to a Kuderna-Danish flask 18which is fitted to a Snyder distillation column 20.

Extraction is performed in the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B byadding a solvent followed by a sample directly through mouth 3 of samplecontaining body 8, or alternatively, by adding solvent and samplethrough condenser 10 which allows the solvent and sample to ultimatelypass through mouth 3. The sample is typically an aqueous solutionpossibly containing a substance of interest. Extract connecting tube 6allows the solvent to pass into boiling flask 12 where heat is appliedto the bottom of the flask to begin the extraction process. By addingsufficient heat to flask 12, the solvent boils and the solvent vaportravels through vapor connector arm 4 and upward through mouth 3 tocondenser 10 where the solvent vapor condenses and falls back intosample containing body 8. The solvent passes through the samplerepeatably for a predetermined amount of time, or until a sufficientamount of the sought after substance has been extracted from the sampleand retained within the solvent. The substance bearing solvent residingin flask 12 is then transferred to flask 18 of concentrator apparatus14. Heat is then applied to concentrator 16, usually by immersion in hotwater, or alternatively, by passing hot water through a jacketedconcentrator (not shown in FIG. 1B). The heat from the hot water causesthe solvent to vaporize and become distilled by the solvent vaporpassing through Snyder distillation column 20. Distillation is continueduntil there is a small volume of solvent containing a high concentrationof substance remaining in concentrator 16. Thereafter, the concentratedsubstance can be further examined and analyzed if desired.

FIG. 2 is representative of a prior art combined solventextractor/concentrator apparatus 24 for use with a solvent having adensity greater than the density of the sample to processed.Extractor/concentrator 24 makes use of a concentrator 26 fitted to aKuderna-Danish flask 28. A sample containing body 30 having a fused onvapor connector arm 32 and a fused on extract connecting tube 34 isshown. A stopcock 36 is located on extract connecting tube 34 forcontrolling the flow of solvent extract. Kuderna-Danish flask 28 isfitted to vapor connector arm 32 and Allihn condenser 38 is fitted toadaptor 40 which in turn is fitted to sample containing body 30.

Apparatus 24 is used much the same way as previously described apparatus2 and 14, with the exception that it is not necessary to transfer thesubstance bearing solvent to a separate concentrator apparatus. Thesample is exposed to the solvent as in apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 1A,however the solvent is heated in concentrator 26, shown in FIG. 2,during the extraction process, instead of round boiling flask 12, shownin FIG. 1A. After the extraction process has been completed, stopcock 36on extract connecting tube 34 is closed, and the substance bearingsolvent is then concentrated as previously described with respect toapparatus 14 shown in FIG. 1B. Concentrator 26 in FIG. 2 is a jacketedconcentrator allowing hot water to be pumped through the concentratorfor heating the solvent, and is an interchangeable alternative toimmersion style concentrator 16, shown in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 3 is representative prior art of a combined solventextractor/concentrator apparatus 42 for use with solvent having adensity less than the density of the sample to be processed. Apparatus42 generally makes use of the same elements as apparatus 24 with theexception of insert 46 being used to introduce solvent near or at thebottom of sample containing body 44, and extract connecting tube 48being located at a higher point along the sample containing body 44 thanextract connecting tube 34 of apparatus 24.

Extractor/concentrator apparatus 42 is used much the same way asapparatus 24 discussed previously and shown in FIG. 2. However, withapparatus 42, the sample to be processed is first introduced intocontainer 44 and solvent is introduced and passed through the samplethereafter through insert 46. Sample level is more critical in apparatus42 because the sample level must be at a point sufficiently high toallow the solvent to rise upward through the sample and pass throughextract connecting tube 48, eventually finding its way into flask 28 andconcentrator 26.

FIG. 4 reveals the present invention embodied in a modular solventextractor apparatus 50 for use with solvent having a density greaterthan the sample to be processed. Container body 52 makes use of a vaporinlet port 54 for allowing solvent vapor to be introduced into the upperportion of container body 52 during the extraction process. Containerbody 52 also makes use of an extract outlet port 56 located at a lowerportion of container body 52 for allowing solvent to pass out of thecontainer body 52 during the extraction process. Hollow connecting arm58 is provided with an outlet 60 for allowing vapor to be returned tocontainer body 52 via inlet port 54. Vapor connecting arm 58 is shown ashaving an extract inlet port 62 located at a preselected position onvapor connecting arm 58. The particular positioning of extract inletport 62 is preferably near the lower portion of connecting arm 58.Extract connecting tube 64 is provided with disconnect joints 66 and 70at respective ends of extract connecting tube 64. Disconnect joint 66 isaccommodated by compatible disconnect joint 68 located at extract inletport 62. Disconnect joint 70 accommodates compatible disconnect joint 72located at extract outlet port 56. Vapor inlet port 54 also makes use ofa disconnect joint 74 which accommodates and is compatible withdisconnect joint 76 located at vapor outlet 60 of vapor connecting arm58.

Disconnect joints 66-68, 70-72, and 74-76 allow for solvent extract orsolvent vapor to travel through extract connecting tube 64 and vaporconnecting arm 58, while additionally providing means for easilyconnecting and disconnecting extract connecting tube 64 and vaporconnecting arm 58 from container body 52 for cleaning, repairing,switching, or replacement purposes. The embodiment of the inventionshown in FIG. 4 shows disconnect joints 66, 70, and 74 as being astandard ball joint design. Disconnect joints 68, 72, and 76 are shownas being a compatible socket joint design to fittingly accommodate therespective ball joints. The ball and socket joints are secured togetherby standard removable metal or plastic clips that are commonly usedwithin the field of art (not shown). The disconnect joints shown in FIG.4 need not be of a ball and socket arrangement, as any suitabledisconnectable joint design will suffice in achieving the desiredresults.

Vapor connecting arm end 80 is usually fitted to a round bottom boilingflask 82 by way of compatible tapered joints commonly used within thelabware field. Mouth 84, located at the upper most portion of containerbody 52, is likewise shaped and dimensioned to accommodate desiredlabware having standard tapered joints such as Allihn condenser 86fitted to mouth 84.

FIG. 5 illustrates a combined solvent extractor/concentrator apparatusembodying the present invention. Extractor/concentrator 88 is suitablefor use with solvent having a greater density than the sample to beprocessed and has many of the same features as extractor apparatus 50shown in FIG. 3 with the exception of the following. Modularextractor/concentrator 88 utilizes an extract connecting tube 92 whichincludes a stopcock or valve 94 for terminating the flow of solventextract after the sample has been adequately exposed to the solvent.Vapor connecting arm 90 incorporates a distillation column withinconnecting arm 90, however a separate distillation column with suitableconnecting tubes and connectors could be used in lieu thereof.Extractor/concentrator apparatus 88 differs from extractor 50 in that aKuderna-Danish flask 96 is fitted to vapor connecting arm end 80 insteadof boiling flask 82 in extractor 50, and concentrator 98 is fitted toKuderna-Danish flask 96.

Disconnect joints 66-68, 70-72, and 74-76 are employed inextractor/concentrator apparatus 88 for the same reasons as set forth inthe discussion of extractor 50 above.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 reveal a modular extractor 100 and a modular combinedextractor/concentrator 102 respectively, both of which embody thepresent invention. Both modular extractor 100 and modularextractor/concentrator 102 are suitable for use with solvents having adensity less than the sample to be processed.

Container body 104 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 makes use of an extractport 106 positioned at a point between the middle and upper portion ofcontainer body 104. Such positioning allows solvent to siphon out ofcontainer body 104, yet allows for the retention of the sample, providedcontainer body 104 is filled to an appropriate level with the sample tobe processed.

Modular extractor apparatus 100 employs an extract connecting tube 108and modular combination extractor/concentrator apparatus 102 employs anextract connecting tube 110, both of which have upon either end thereofdisconnect joints 66 and 70 which are accommodated by compatibledisconnect joints 68 and 72 located at extract outlet port 106 andextract inlet port 62 respectively. The disconnect joints shown in FIGS.6 and 7 are of a ball and socket design and have the same advantages asdiscussed earlier with respect to extractor apparatus 50. Connectingtube 110 of modular combination extractor/concentrator 102, makes use ofa stopcock or valve 112 in order to allow for the concentration of theextract.

In order to use solvent having a density less than the sample to beprocessed, the solvent must be introduced at an acceptable level withincontainer body 104 to allow the solvent to rise upward through thesample. This is accomplished by using a tubular insert 114 in bothmodular extractor 100 and modular combination extractor/concentrator102. Insert 114 allows solvent to pass through axial passage 116 whilealso allowing solvent vapor to flow back into container body 104 viavapor inlet port 54 and perpendicular passage 117 which adjoins axialpassage 116. Tubular insert 114 is easily inserted and removed fromcontainer body 104 for cleaning, repair, or replacement.

A universal modular container body 118, which is suitable for use withsolvents having a density less than or greater than the density of thesample to be processed, is revealed in FIG. 8. Additionally, universalmodular container body 118 is suitable for use within an extractorapparatus or within a combination extractor/concentrator apparatus,regardless of solvent density.

Universal modular solvent body 118 makes use of a vapor inlet port 54,extract port 56, and extract port 106. Each port makes use of disconnectjoints, such as ball joint 74 at the end of vapor inlet port 54 andsocket joint 72 at the end of extract ports 56 and 106. As mentionedearlier, a ball and socket disconnect joint is the preferred disconnectjoint, but any suitable disconnect joint will accomplish the desiredresults, for example joints which make use of compressible O-rings maybe utilized.

Disconnect joint plug 120, having a compatible disconnect joint 122,used to seal an unused port, allows universal modular container body 118to be used to form an apparatus suitable for a number of solvents andsamples. Thus, the embodiment of modular universal container body 118shown in FIG. 8 allows for the purchasing of a single container that canbe used with, or without, tubular insert 114. Container body 118 can beused with a variety of connecting tubing and arms, alleviates thepurchasing several container bodies having tubing that are speciallydesigned for use with certain solvent densities and processes. Theuniversal modular container body also provides an economical sparecontainer body because it can be used to replace a damaged containerbody within an apparatus using a solvent having greater, or lesser,density than the sample to be processed.

Isolated views of embodiments of container bodies 52 and 104, tubularinsert 114, and various embodiments of disconnectable attachments areshown in FIGS. 9, 10A, 10B, and 12A-E respectively, in order to betterillustrate the modular characteristic of the invention. Isolated viewsof vapor connecting arms 58 and 90, which are particularly suitable foruse in practicing the present invention, are shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B.

Isolated views of preferred embodiments of disconnectable attachmentsthat are suitable for practicing the present invention are shown inFIGS. 12A through 12E. The disconnectable attachments areinterchangeable among themselves and are particularly suitable for usewith the embodiments of the various container bodies described herein.It should be noted, although it will be apparent to those skilled in therelevant art, that the embodiments of the container bodies and variousdisconnectable attachments must be combined with standard laboratoryglassware readily available from glassware suppliers in order to form acomplete apparatus, such as the apparatus illustrated and discussedherein.

Isolated views of embodiments of extract connecting tube 64 and extractconnecting tube 92 having a stopcock 94 are shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B.

An alternative connecting means in lieu of, for example, tube 64 (FIG.4) or 108 (FIG. 6) is shown in FIG. 12C. Flexible hose 124 is sized tobe attached to tubulations 126 having disconnect joints 128. Flexiblehose 124 may be attached to tubulations 126 by standard clamps wellknown and used within the field of art.

Isolated views of extract connecting tube 108 and extract connectingtube 110 having a stopcock 112 are shown in FIGS. 12D and 12Erespectively.

An embodiment of a disconnectable in-line drying adaptor 130 isillustrated in FIG. 13. In-line drying adaptor 130 is designed to beinstalled between a disconnectable attachment such as hollow vaporconnecting arm 90 and preselected labware such as Kuderna-Danish flask96. The adaptor allows for the retention of materials and chemicals usedfor removal of emulsified water from solvent extracted from the sampleduring the extraction/concentration process. Adaptor 130 further allowsvapor to be simultaneously circulated around the drying materials duringthe extraction/concentration process. The positioning of adaptor 130within an embodiment of the disclosed extractor/concentrator apparatusis shown in FIG. 14.

Returning to FIG. 13, adaptor 130 is provided with main cavity 132having an upper region 134 and a lower region 136. Regions 134 and 136are in fluid communication with main cavity 132. Disconnect joint 138 isin fluid communication with upper region 134 and is shaped and sized toprovide a disconnectable joint with representative disconnect joint 80located at the end of hollow vapor connecting arm 58 or 90. Disconnectjoint 140 is in fluid communication with lower region 136 and is shapedand sized to provide a disconnectable joint with disconnect jointscommonly present on labware compatible with the disclosed apparatus suchas concentrators 16, 26, and 98 illustrated within the drawings. Adaptor130 is provided with by-pass tube 142 which preferably extends aroundmain cavity 132 and serves to fluidly connect upper region 134 and lowerregion 136.

Main cavity 132, including upper and lower regions 134 and 136 ofadaptor 130, are preferably sized and shaped to receive and retainmaterial suitable for removing water from solvents being used within thedisclosed apparatus. However, it is not necessary to adhere to theconfiguration depicted in the drawings. Typically, a plug of glass woolis placed within the main cavity in combination with a selected amountof anhydrous sodium sulfate which is often used to remove water fromsolvents used within the disclosed apparatus.

If a drying step is to be included within the extraction/concentrationprocess, previously determined materials, and amounts thereof, areinserted into main cavity 132 and disconnectable in-line drying adaptor130 is then fitted within an embodiment of the disclosed apparatus.Preferably adaptor 130 is fitted between a hollow vapor connecting armand a Kuderna-Danish flask as representatively shown in FIG. 14. Duringthe extraction/concentration process, solvent enters main cavity 132 ofin-line adaptor 130 by way of hollow connecting arm 90. The solvent inmain cavity 132 is exposed to the water removing material placedtherein. The then dried solvent eventually flows downward into K-D flask96. The solvent is then heated, or re-heated as the case may be, inconcentrator 98 whereupon the solvent rises and travels through by-passtube 142 while enroute to hollow vapor connecting arm 90 wherein thesolvent is either returned to sample body 52 or is distilled withinvapor connecting arm 90.

It is feasible to include valves, or stopcocks, within in-line adaptor130 which would divert liquid solvent, as well as solvent vapor, arounddrying material contained within main cavity 132 during theextraction/concentration process. Upon nearing completion of theextraction/concentration process, such valves or stopcocks, could beopened thereby introducing solvent to the drying materials containedwithin main cavity 132 as described above.

As can be seen in the isolated views shown in FIGS. 9 through 13, achosen container body and selected individual attachments areparticularly suited to being used and marketed as a kit. For example, akit for use in connection with standard laboratory glassware to form acomplete apparatus may be formed by including within the kit a containerbody 50, a vapor connecting arm 90, a extract connecting tube 92, and anin-line drying adaptor 130. The remaining standard laboratory componentssuch as an Allihn condenser 86, a concentrator 98, a Kuderna-Danishflask 96, and a number of disconnect joint clips needed to complete theapparatus could also be provided within the kit if so desired.

Although the present invention has been shown and described with respectto detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilledin the art that various changes in the form and detail thereof may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

I claim:
 1. A kit for forming a modular solvent extractor apparatuscomprising:a) a container body for holding a sample to be treated with asolvent to render an extraction therefrom, the container body having atpreselected positions, a mouth, at least one solvent vapor port, and atleast one solvent extract port; b) an extract connecting tube having adisconnect joint at each end thereof; c) a hollow vapor connecting armhaving a disconnect joint at one or both ends thereof, a solvent extractinlet port being located at a preselected position along the vapor armand having a disconnect joint to accommodate one of the disconnectjoints of the extract connecting tube; d) a disconnect joint at thesolvent vapor port to accommodate one of the disconnect joints of thevapor connecting arm; e) a disconnect joint at the solvent extract portto accommodate one of the disconnect joints of the extract connectingtube; and f) a disconnectable in-line drying adaptor having a volumetriccavity having an upper and a lower region, an upper disconnect joint influid communication with the upper region of the cavity and being shapedand sized to accommodate one of the disconnect joints located at one ofthe ends of the hollow vapor connecting arm, a lower disconnect joint influid communication with the lower region of the cavity and being shapedand sized to accommodate preselected labware, and a by-pass tube influid communication with the upper and lower regions of the cavity. 2.The kit of claim 1 wherein at least one of the disconnect jointscomprises a socket joint accommodating a ball joint thereby forming aball and socket joint arrangement.
 3. A kit for forming a modularsolvent extractor apparatus comprising:a) a container body for holding asample to be treated with solvent to render an extraction therefrom, thecontainer body having at preselected positions, a mouth, at least onesolvent vapor port, and at least one solvent extract port; b) an extractconnecting tube having a disconnect joint at each end thereof; c) ahollow vapor connecting arm having a disconnect joint at one or bothends thereof, a solvent extract inlet port having a disconnect joint toaccommodate one of the disconnect joints of the extract connecting tube,and the solvent extract inlet port being located at a preselectedposition along the vapor connecting arm; d) a disconnect joint at thesolvent vapor port to accommodate at least one of the disconnect jointsof the vapor connecting arm; e) a disconnect joint at the solventextract port to accommodate one of the disconnect joints of the extractconnecting tube thereby allowing the container body to be connected tothe vapor arm by the extract connecting tube; f) a removable tubularinsert for placement within the container body, the insert having apassage extending axially therethrough, an adjoining through passageextending generally perpendicularly from the axially extending passage,and the insert being shaped and sized to be accommodated by the mouth ofthe container body; and g) a disconnectable in-line drying adaptorhaving a volumetric cavity having an upper and a lower region, an upperdisconnect joint in fluid communication with the upper region of thecavity and being shaped and sized to accommodate one of the disconnectjoints located at the end of hollow vapor connecting arm, a lowerdisconnect joint in fluid communication with the lower region of thecavity and being shaped and sized to connect with preselected labware,and a by-pass tube in fluid communication with the upper and lowerregions of the cavity.
 4. The kit of claim 3 wherein at least one of thedisconnect joints comprises a socket joint accommodating a ball jointthereby forming a ball and socket joint arrangement.
 5. A kit forforming a modular combination solvent extractor/concentratorcomprising:a) a container body for holding a sample to be treated withsolvent to render an extraction therefrom, the container body having atpreselected positions a mouth, at least one solvent vapor port, and atleast one solvent extract port; b) an extract connecting tube having adisconnect joint at each end thereof and a stopcock located at apredetermined position along the extract connecting tube; c) a hollowvapor connecting arm having a disconnect joint at one or both endsthereof, a solvent extract inlet port being located at a preselectedposition along the vapor connecting arm and having a disconnect joint toaccommodate one of the disconnect joints of the extract connecting tube;d) a disconnect joint at the solvent vapor port to accommodate one ofthe disconnect joints of the vapor connecting arm; e) a disconnect jointat the solvent extract port to accommodate one of the disconnect jointsof the extract connecting tube; and f) a disconnectable in-line dryingadaptor having a volumetric cavity having an upper and a lower region,an upper disconnect joint in fluid communication with the upper regionof the cavity and being shaped and sized to accommodate one of thedisconnect joints located at one of the ends of the hollow vaporconnecting arm, a lower disconnect joint in fluid communication with thelower region of the cavity and being shaped and sized to connect withpreselected labware, and a by-pass tube in fluid communication with theupper and lower regions of the cavity.
 6. The kit of claim 5 wherein atleast one of the disconnect joints comprises a socket jointaccommodating a ball joint thereby forming a ball and socket jointarrangement.
 7. The kit of claim 5 wherein the vapor connecting armcomprises a Snyder distillation column therein.
 8. A kit for forming amodular combination solvent extractor/concentrator comprising:a) acontainer body for holding a sample to be treated with solvent to renderan extraction therefrom, the container body having at preselectedpositions, a mouth, at least one solvent vapor port, and at least onesolvent extract port; b) an extract connecting tube having a disconnectjoint at each end thereof and a stopcock located at a predeterminedposition along the extract connecting tube; c) a hollow vapor connectingarm having a disconnect joint at one or more ends thereof, a solventextract inlet port being located at a preselected position along thevapor arm and having a disconnect joint to accommodate one of thedisconnect joints of the extract connecting tube, d) a disconnect jointat the solvent vapor port to accommodate one of the disconnect joints ofthe vapor connecting arm; e) a disconnect joint at the solvent extractport to accommodate one of the disconnect joints of the extractconnecting tube thereby allowing the container body to be connected tothe vapor arm by the extract connecting tube; f) a removable tubularinsert for placement within the container body, the insert having apassage extending axially therethrough, an adjoining through passageextending generally perpendicularly from the axially extending passage,and the insert being shaped and sized to be accommodated by the mouth ofthe container body; and g) a disconnectable in-line drying adaptorhaving a volumetric cavity having an upper and a lower region, an upperdisconnect joint in fluid communication with the upper region of thecavity and being shaped and sized to accommodate one of the disconnectjoints located at one of the ends of the hollow vapor connecting arm, alower disconnect joint in fluid communication with the lower region ofthe cavity and being shaped and sized to connect with preselectedlabware, and a by-pass tube in fluid communication with the upper andlower regions of the cavity.
 9. The kit of claim 8 wherein at least oneof the disconnect joints comprises a socket joint accommodating a balljoint thereby forming a ball and socket joint arrangement.
 10. The kitof claim 8 wherein the vapor connecting arm comprises a Snyderdistillation column therein.
 11. A modular solvent extractor apparatuscomprising:a) a container body for holding a sample to be treated with asolvent to render an extraction therefrom, the container body having ata preselected position a mouth, at least one solvent vapor port at apreselected position having a disconnect joint, and at least one solventextract port being located at a preselected position upon the containerbody having a disconnect joint; b) an extract connecting tube having adisconnect joint at each end thereof, one of the disconnect joints beingaccommodated by the joint on the solvent extract port; c) a hollow vaporconnecting arm having a disconnect joint at both ends thereof, one ofthe disconnect joints accommodating the disconnect joint of the solventvapor port; and d) a solvent extract inlet port being located at apreselected position along the vapor connecting arm and having adisconnect joint accommodating the remaining disconnect joint of theextract connecting tube; and e) a disconnectable in-line drying adaptorhaving a volumetric cavity having an upper and a lower region, an upperdisconnect joint in fluid communication with the upper region of thecavity and being shaped and sized to accommodate one of the disconnectjoints located at one of the ends of the hollow vapor connecting arm, alower disconnect joint in fluid communication with the lower region ofthe cavity and being shaped and sized to connect with preselectedlabware, and a by-pass tube in fluid communication with the upper andlower regions of the cavity.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein atleast one of the disconnect joints comprises a socket jointaccommodating a ball joint thereby forming a ball and socket jointarrangement.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising thecontainer body having at least one solvent extract port having adisconnect joint accommodating a disconnect joint plug.
 14. A modularcombination solvent extractor/concentrator apparatus comprising:a) acontainer body for holding a sample to be treated with a solvent torender an extraction therefrom, the container body having at apreselected position a mouth, at least one solvent vapor port at apreselected position having a disconnect joint, and at least one solventextract port being located at a preselected position upon the containerbody having a disconnect joint; b) an extract connecting tube having astopcock located at a preselected position along the extract connectingtube and a disconnect joint at each end of the extract connecting tube,one of the disconnect joints being accommodated by the disconnect jointon the solvent extract port; c) a hollow vapor connecting arm having adisconnect joint at both ends, one of the disconnect jointsaccommodating the disconnect joint at the solvent vapor port; d) aSnyder distillation column within the vapor connecting arm; e) a solventextract inlet port being located at a preselected position along thevapor connecting arm and having a disconnect joint accommodating theremaining disconnect joint of the extract connecting tube; and f) adisconnectable in-line drying adaptor having a volumetric cavity havingan upper and a lower region, an upper disconnect joint in fluidcommunication with the upper region of the cavity and being shaped andsized to accommodate one of the disconnect joints located at one of theends of the hollow vapor connecting arm, a lower disconnect joint influid communication with the lower region of the cavity and being shapedand sized to connect with preselected labware, and a by-pass tube influid communication with the upper and lower regions of the cavity. 15.The apparatus of claim 14 wherein at least one of the disconnect jointscomprises a socket joint accommodating a ball joint thereby forming aball and socket joint arrangement.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14 furthercomprising the container body having at least one solvent extract porthaving a disconnected joint accommodating a disconnect joint plug. 17.An apparatus as claimed in claim 14, comprising a removable tubularinsert for placement within the container body, the insert having apassage extending axially therethrough for introducing solvent at alevel below the middle portion of the container body, an adjoiningthrough passage extending generally perpendicularly from the axiallyextending passage, and the insert being shaped and sized to beaccommodated by the mouth of the container body.